title: Median mandibular flexure at different mouth opening and its relation to different facial types: A prospective clinical study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To measure the arch width and Median mandibular flexure (MMF) values at relative rest and maximum jaw opening in young adults with Dolichofacial, Mesofacial, and Brachyfacial types and tested whether the variation in the facial pattern is related to the MMF values in South Indian population.
  
  
  METHODS
  This Prospective clinical study consisted of sample of 60 young adults. The subjects were grouped into 3 groups: Group 1: Brachyfacial, Group 2: Mesofacial and types, Group 3: Dolichofacial. Impressions were taken for all the 60 subjects and the casts were scanned and digitized. The intermolar width was measured for Dolichofacial, Mesofacial, and Brachyfacial subjects at relative rest (R) and maximum opening (O).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The statistical analysis of the observations included Descriptive and Inferential statistics. The statistical analysis was executed by means of Sigma graph pad prism software, USA Version-4. Kruskal wallis (ANOVA) followed by Dunns post hoc test was performed. Mann Whitney U-test was performed to assess the difference in MMF values between Males and Females of the three groups. The Mean (SD) Mandibular flexure in individuals with Brachyfacial type was 1.12 (0.09), Mesofacial type was 0.69 (0.21), and Dolichofacial type was 0.39 (0.08).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Mean intermolar width was maximum in Brachyfacial type and minimum in Dolichofacial type. MMF was maximum at the maximum mouth opening position and was maximum in individuals with Brachyfacial type.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Narayana Dental College and Hospital, Chinthareddypalem, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Mandava
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Prasad
authors.forename: Mohammed Z
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Hussain
authors.forename: Sharath K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Shetty
authors.forename: T Ashok
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Mohit
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khaur
authors.forename: Suja A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Sameen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dalwai
keywords: Brachyfacial; dolichofacial; median mandibular flexure; mesofacial